{"id":12247,"date":"2026-06-12T05:37:33","date_gmt":"2026-06-12T05:37:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nylonplastic.com\/ppa-polyphthalamide-pa6t-pa9t-pa10t-grades-properties-guide\/"},"modified":"2026-06-12T05:37:33","modified_gmt":"2026-06-12T05:37:33","slug":"ppa-polyphthalamide-pa6t-pa9t-pa10t-grades-properties-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nylonplastic.com\/vi\/ppa-polyphthalamide-pa6t-pa9t-pa10t-grades-properties-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"PPA Polyphthalamide Guide: PA6T PA9T PA10T Grades, Properties, and How They Compare to PA66 PA46"},"content":{"rendered":"

What Is PPA?<\/h2>\n

PPA (polyphthalamide) is a family of semi-aromatic polyamides. Unlike standard aliphatic nylons like PA6 and PA66 \u2014 whose polymer backbones are built entirely from aliphatic carbon chains \u2014 PPA incorporates aromatic rings (terephthalic or isophthalic acid) directly into the polymer backbone. This structural difference is what gives PPA its defining advantage: dramatically lower moisture absorption, better dimensional stability in humid environments, and 20\u201340% higher strength retention at temperature compared to PA66.<\/p>\n

The PPA family is not a single polymer but a class of high-performance nylons defined by the aromatic diacid used. The main commercial variants are PA6T, PA9T, PA10T,<\/strong> and various copolymers sold under brand names including Solvay Amodel, DuPont Zytel HTN, Kuraray Genestar, and EMS Grivory.<\/p>\n

For engineers and buyers searching for PPA datasheets, PA6T vs PA9T comparison, or PPA vs PA66 vs PA46 selection guidance<\/strong>, this page consolidates the key properties, grade families, processing parameters, and application data.<\/p>\n

PPA Sub-Families: PA6T, PA9T, PA10T \u2014 What’s the Difference?<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Variant<\/th>\nBase Diol<\/th>\nTm (\u00b0C)<\/th>\nL\u1ee3i th\u1ebf ch\u00ednh<\/th>\nTypical Brands<\/th>\nLimitation<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
PA6T<\/strong><\/td>\nHexamethylene diamine (C6)<\/td>\n310\u2013325<\/td>\nHighest HDT, broadest grade portfolio<\/td>\nAmodel (Solvay), Zytel HTN 51G (DuPont)<\/td>\nPure PA6T Tm exceeds decomposition temp; always copolymerized<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
PA9T<\/strong><\/td>\nNonamethylene diamine (C9)<\/td>\n306\u2013315<\/td>\nLowest moisture absorption, excellent solder resistance<\/td>\nGenestar (Kuraray)<\/td>\nHigher cost, fewer FR grades<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
PA10T<\/strong><\/td>\nDecamethylene diamine (C10)<\/td>\n290\u2013310<\/td>\nBio-based (castor oil derived), good flow<\/td>\nVestamid HTplus (Evonik), Grivory (EMS)<\/td>\nLower HDT than 6T, newer product<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
PA6T\/66<\/strong><\/td>\nC6 + adipic acid<\/td>\n290\u2013310<\/td>\nImproved flow, lower cost<\/td>\nZytel HTN 52G, 54G (DuPont)<\/td>\nHigher moisture absorption than pure 6T<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
PA6T\/6I<\/strong><\/td>\nC6 + isophthalic acid<\/td>\nAmorphous<\/td>\nTransparency, barrier properties<\/td>\nSelar PA (DuPont)<\/td>\nNot for structural applications<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

PPA GF30 vs. Competing High-Temperature Materials<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
T\u00e0i s\u1ea3n<\/th>\nPPA GF30 (Amodel A-1133HS)<\/th>\nPA66 ch\u1ee9a 30% s\u1ee3i th\u1ee7y tinh<\/th>\nPA46 GF30 (Stanyl)<\/th>\nPPS GF40<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
\u0110\u1ed9 \u0111\u1eb7c<\/td>\n1.47 g\/cm\u00b3<\/td>\n1.36 g\/cm\u00b3<\/td>\n1.41 g\/cm\u00b3<\/td>\n1.65 g\/cm\u00b3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0110i\u1ec3m n\u00f3ng ch\u1ea3y<\/td>\n310\u2013325\u00b0C<\/td>\n260\u00b0C<\/td>\n295\u00b0C<\/td>\n280\u00b0C<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
HDT @ 1.80 MPa<\/td>\n300\u2013310\u00b0C<\/td>\n245\u2013255\u00b0C<\/td>\n285\u00b0C<\/td>\n265\u00b0C<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tensile Modulus (dry)<\/td>\n12,000 MPa<\/td>\n9,500\u201310,500 MPa<\/td>\n10,000 MPa<\/td>\n14,000\u201315,000 MPa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tensile Modulus (conditioned)<\/td>\n~11,500 MPa<\/td>\n6,000\u20137,000 MPa<\/td>\n6,000 MPa<\/td>\n~14,000 MPa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tensile Strength (dry)<\/td>\n200 MPa<\/td>\n180 MPa<\/td>\n180 MPa<\/td>\n190 MPa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tensile Strength (conditioned)<\/td>\n~180 MPa<\/td>\n120 MPa<\/td>\n120 MPa<\/td>\n~190 MPa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Water Absorption (23\u00b0C \/ 50% RH)<\/td>\n0.3\u20130.5%<\/td>\n1.5\u20132.0%<\/td>\n2.6%<\/td>\n0.03%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Molding Shrinkage (flow \/ transverse)<\/td>\n0.2% \/ 0.6%<\/td>\n0.4% \/ 1.1%<\/td>\n0.5% \/ 1.3%<\/td>\n0.3% \/ 0.8%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Continuous Use Temp (5000h)<\/td>\n150\u2013170\u00b0C<\/td>\n120\u2013130\u00b0C<\/td>\n163\u00b0C<\/td>\n200\u2013220\u00b0C<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Relative Cost per kg<\/td>\nCao<\/td>\nLow-Moderate<\/td>\nModerate-High<\/td>\nCao<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Key Insight: The Conditioned Modulus Advantage<\/h3>\n

Look at the “conditioned” tensile modulus row. This is where PPA justifies its price premium.<\/p>\n

    \n
  • PA66 ch\u1ee9a 30% s\u1ee3i th\u1ee7y tinh<\/strong> loses 30\u201340% of its dry stiffness after moisture conditioning \u2014 a known pain point for precision applications in humid environments.<\/li>\n
  • PA46 GF30<\/strong> drops even more (40%), because its high amide-group density makes it more hygroscopic than PA66.<\/li>\n
  • PPA GF30<\/strong> retains 95%+ of its dry stiffness after conditioning, because the aromatic rings in the backbone block water molecules from hydrogen-bonding with amide groups.<\/li>\n
  • PPS GF40<\/strong> is nearly unaffected by moisture, but costs 2\u20133\u00d7 PPA.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    For structural parts that must hold tight tolerances from dry-as-molded through end-use humidity cycling, PPA’s conditioned modulus advantage is often decisive.<\/p>\n

    Commercial PPA Grade Selector<\/h2>\n
    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Manufacturer<\/th>\nBrand<\/th>\nH\u1ea1ng<\/th>\nGF %<\/th>\nKey Feature<\/th>\nTypical Application<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    Solvay<\/td>\nAmodel<\/td>\nA-1133 HS<\/td>\n33%<\/td>\nGeneral purpose GF33, heat stabilized<\/td>\nAutomotive connectors, housings<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Solvay<\/td>\nAmodel<\/td>\nAS-1133 HS<\/td>\n33%<\/td>\nThick-wall (>3 mm) optimized<\/td>\nPump housings, valve bodies<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Solvay<\/td>\nAmodel<\/td>\nA-1145 HS<\/td>\n45%<\/td>\nHigh stiffness, heat stabilized<\/td>\nMetal replacement, structural brackets<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Solvay<\/td>\nAmodel<\/td>\nA-1565 HS<\/td>\n65% (GF+mineral)<\/td>\nMaximum rigidity, low warpage<\/td>\nLarge structural housings<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Solvay<\/td>\nAmodel<\/td>\nAE-1133<\/td>\n33%<\/td>\nElectrical-optimized, high CTI<\/td>\nEV connectors, busbar insulators<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Solvay<\/td>\nAmodel<\/td>\nA-4122 NL WH<\/td>\n22%<\/td>\nLED reflectors, high whiteness<\/td>\nAutomotive lighting, LED chips<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    DuPont<\/td>\nZytel HTN<\/td>\n51G35HSL<\/td>\n35%<\/td>\nStandard GF35, heat stabilized<\/td>\nEngine covers, oil pans<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    DuPont<\/td>\nZytel HTN<\/td>\n51G45HSL<\/td>\n45%<\/td>\nHigh stiffness PA6T-based<\/td>\nStructural underhood parts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    DuPont<\/td>\nZytel HTN<\/td>\n52G35HSL<\/td>\n35%<\/td>\n6T\/66 copolymer, better flow<\/td>\nThin-wall connectors<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    DuPont<\/td>\nZytel HTN<\/td>\n54G15HSLR<\/td>\n15%<\/td>\nLow GF, high ductility<\/td>\nSnap-fit clips, flexible mounts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Kuraray<\/td>\nGenestar<\/td>\nGP2300<\/td>\n30%<\/td>\nPA9T GF30, lowest moisture<\/td>\nSMT connectors, precision electronics<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Kuraray<\/td>\nGenestar<\/td>\nGR2300<\/td>\n30%<\/td>\nPA9T GF30 FR V-0<\/td>\nUSB connectors, mobile device internals<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    EMS<\/td>\nGrivory<\/td>\nGV-5H<\/td>\n50%<\/td>\nHigh-strength PA6T\/6I<\/td>\nMetal replacement, structural<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

    PPA Processing Guidelines<\/h2>\n
    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Parameter<\/th>\nGi\u00e1 tr\u1ecb khuy\u1ebfn ngh\u1ecb<\/th>\nGhi ch\u00fa<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    Pre-drying<\/td>\n120\u00b0C for 4 hours<\/td>\nDesiccant dryer. Target moisture < 0.05%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Melt Temperature<\/td>\n320\u2013340\u00b0C<\/td>\nVaries by grade; PA6T grades need 330\u00b0C minimum<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Nhi\u1ec7t \u0111\u1ed9 khu\u00f4n<\/td>\n120\u2013160\u00b0C<\/td>\nHigher than PA66 \u2014 oil-heated molds typically required<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Injection Speed<\/td>\nMedium to fast<\/td>\nFast fill to avoid premature skin formation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Holding Pressure<\/td>\n60\u2013100 MPa<\/td>\nPPA has low shrinkage; pack adequately<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Residence Time<\/td>\nMinimize (\u2264 5 min)<\/td>\nDegradation risk increases above 330\u00b0C<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

    Critical processing notes:<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \n
    • Mold temperature is non-negotiable:<\/strong> PPA requires mold temperatures of 120\u2013160\u00b0C to achieve full crystallinity. Running at standard nylon mold temperatures (80\u00b0C) produces amorphous, dimensionally unstable parts. Oil-heated or electric cartridge-heated tooling is typically necessary \u2014 water-heated molds won’t reach these temperatures.<\/li>\n
    • High barrel temperature management:<\/strong> At 330\u00b0C, standard nylon purging procedures apply, but residence time must be tightly controlled. PPA degradation produces volatiles; verify adequate mold venting.<\/li>\n
    • Low and predictable shrinkage:<\/strong> PPA’s shrinkage (0.2% flow direction for GF grades) is lower than both PA66 and PA46. This is an advantage for precision, but molds designed for PA66 may need gate and runner adjustments when switching to PPA.<\/li>\n
    • Fast crystallization once below Tm:<\/strong> Unlike PA46 (which crystallizes fast at all temperatures), PPA crystallizes rapidly once the melt drops below its melting point \u2014 but reaching that point requires the mold to be hot enough. This is the fundamental trade-off of PPA processing: high mold temp for crystallization vs. cycle time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Key PPA Applications by Industry<\/h2>\n
      \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
      Ng\u00e0nh c\u00f4ng nghi\u1ec7p<\/th>\nApplication<\/th>\nWhy PPA Over PA66 or PA46<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
      Automotive Engine<\/td>\nCoolant pump housings, thermostat housings, oil filter bodies<\/td>\nGlycol resistance + dimensional stability at 120\u2013150\u00b0C<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Automotive Fuel<\/td>\nFuel line connectors, quick-connects, sender unit bodies<\/td>\nFuel resistance, low permeation, survives aggressive blended fuels<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Automotive Transmission<\/td>\nSolenoid bobbins, sensor housings<\/td>\nHot ATF resistance, stable dielectric properties<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Electrical \/ Electronics<\/td>\nSMT connectors, USB-C housings, DDR sockets, SIM card trays<\/td>\nSurvives 260\u00b0C reflow, retains dimensions, UL94 V-0 grades available<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Power Electronics<\/td>\nBusbar insulators, IGBT housings, EV charging connector bodies<\/td>\nHigh CTI (Comparative Tracking Index), arc resistance<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Thi\u1ebft b\u1ecb \u0111i\u1ec7n t\u1eed ti\u00eau d\u00f9ng<\/td>\nMobile device frames, smartwatch housings, laptop chassis inserts<\/td>\nThin-wall flow, paintable, dimensionally stable across humidity range<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      C\u00f4ng nghi\u1ec7p<\/td>\nPump wear rings, bearing cages, valve seats<\/td>\nCreep resistance + chemical compatibility<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

      PPA vs. PA46: Choosing Between the Two<\/h2>\n

      PPA and PA46 are often cross-shopped for the same applications. Here is the decision framework in practice:<\/p>\n

      \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
      Selection Driver<\/th>\nChoose PPA When<\/th>\nChoose PA46 When<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
      Moisture \/ humidity exposure<\/td>\nHigh humidity, outdoor, or condensing environments<\/td>\nControlled indoor environments<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Chemical exposure<\/td>\nFuel, glycol, aggressive automotive fluids<\/td>\nPrimarily oil, grease, or dry applications<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Cycle time<\/td>\nLonger cycles acceptable (mold 140\u00b0C)<\/td>\nNeed fastest cycle times (mold 100\u00b0C works)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Thin-wall flow<\/td>\nGood (walls down to 0.4 mm)<\/td>\nExcellent (walls down to 0.2 mm)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Wear \/ friction<\/td>\nGood with internal lubricants<\/td>\nExcellent \u2014 PA46 is the benchmark<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Dimensional tolerance in wet\/dry cycling<\/td>\nPPA wins \u2014 almost no change from dry to conditioned<\/td>\nExpect 0.2\u20130.5% dimensional change<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Tooling cost<\/td>\nHigher (oil-heated mold required)<\/td>\nModerate (water-heated mold usually sufficient)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Price \/ kg<\/td>\nCao h\u01a1n<\/td>\nTrung b\u00ecnh<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

      PPA Limitations: When to Look Elsewhere<\/h2>\n
        \n
      • Tooling investment:<\/strong> PPA’s 120\u2013160\u00b0C mold temperature requirement means water-heated molds cannot be used. If your tool shop is not equipped for oil or electric mold heating, you will incur tooling modification or replacement costs.<\/li>\n
      • Notch sensitivity:<\/strong> Standard GF PPA grades are notch-sensitive \u2014 impact in notched sections is lower than you might expect from the tensile data. For snap-fit parts requiring toughness, specify impact-modified grades (e.g., Zytel HTN 54G series).<\/li>\n
      • Above 180\u00b0C continuous:<\/strong> PPA’s continuous use ceiling is 150\u2013170\u00b0C (UL RTI). For sustained exposure above 180\u00b0C you need PPS or PEEK.<\/li>\n
      • Cost-sensitive projects:<\/strong> PPA GF30 costs 3\u20135\u00d7 PA66 GF30. Make sure you actually need the performance before specifying it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        C\u00e2u h\u1ecfi th\u01b0\u1eddng g\u1eb7p<\/h2>\n

        What is the difference between PPA and PA66?<\/h3>\n

        PPA (polyphthalamide) is a semi-aromatic polyamide, while PA66 is a fully aliphatic polyamide. PPA incorporates aromatic acid groups (terephthalic\/isophthalic acid) into its polymer backbone, which reduces moisture absorption from ~2% (PA66) to ~0.3\u20130.5% (PPA). This means PPA retains its mechanical properties in humid environments, withstands 30\u201350\u00b0C higher continuous-use temperatures, and resists chemical attack from fuels and glycols better than PA66. The trade-off is higher cost and more demanding processing requirements.<\/p>\n

        Is PPA the same as PA6T?<\/h3>\n

        PA6T is the most common sub-type of PPA, but not the only one. PPA is the family name; PA6T, PA9T, PA10T, and various copolymers (PA6T\/66, PA6T\/6I) are specific members. PA6T-based grades (Amodel, Zytel HTN 51G) dominate the automotive and industrial markets. PA9T (Genestar) has carved a niche in consumer electronics due to its even lower moisture absorption. Always check which base chemistry is used in a PPA grade \u2014 it affects moisture uptake, processing window, and cost.<\/p>\n

        Does PPA need to be dried before molding?<\/h3>\n

        Yes \u2014 and with tighter requirements than PA66. PPA must be dried to below 0.05% moisture content (PA66 allows up to 0.20%). At PPA’s 330\u00b0C processing temperature, any residual moisture causes hydrolysis that degrades molecular weight and produces visibly defective parts. Dry at 120\u00b0C for a minimum of 4 hours in a desiccant dryer.<\/p>\n

        Can PPA be used for SMT (surface-mount technology) components?<\/h3>\n

        Yes \u2014 this is one of PPA’s core markets. Standard PPA GF30 grades (especially PA9T Genestar) survive lead-free reflow soldering with peak temperatures of 260\u00b0C without blistering or warping. This is why PPA dominates SMT connector housings (USB, HDMI, DDR memory sockets, SIM card trays) where the plastic must survive the solder reflow oven and then maintain precise contact spacing in end-use humid environments.<\/p>\n

        What are PPA’s main disadvantages vs. PA46?<\/h3>\n

        PPA processes slower (higher mold temperature required), costs more per kilogram, and is typically more notch-sensitive than PA46. PA46 cycles faster and flows better in very thin walls (< 0.3 mm). However, PPA's conditioned modulus advantage and chemical resistance often outweigh these processing trade-offs in demanding applications.<\/p>\n

        Need PPA pellets, technical datasheets, or grade selection support?<\/strong> We supply Amodel, Zytel HTN, and Genestar grades in GF10 to GF50 reinforcement levels. Contact us with your temperature, chemical exposure, and production volume requirements.<\/p>\n\t\t\t

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